Nozzle construction for coating machines and the like



J. B. KOHLER April 18, 1967 NOZZLE CONSTRUCTION FOR COATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 21, 1964 INVENTOR. John B. Kbhler BY FWW 9au M ATTORNEYS A ril 18, 1967 J, B. KOHLER NOZZLE CONSTRUCTION FOR COATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 21, 1964 April 18, 1967 J. B. KOHLER NOZZLE CONSTRUCTION FOR COATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE Filed Feb. 21, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

John B. KoMer BY Fm, W8: W

ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,314,163 NOZZLE CONSTRUCTION FOR COATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE John B. Kohler, North Canton, Ohio, assignor to The Kohler Coating Machinery Corporation, Greentown,

Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Filed Feb. 21, 1964, Ser. No. 346,421 24 Claims. (Cl. 34-155) My invention relates to improvements in nozzle constructions for coating machines and the like, and more specifically to an improved fluid nozzle and improved means for mounting the same. Even more specifically, my invention relates to fluid nozzles, usually gaseous fluid, adaptable for use in various functions in coating machines, such as paper coating machines, in order to obtain improved coated surfaces.

Gaseous fluid nozzles have been used in the coating industry for at least two basic functions, the first of which may be classified as doctoring means, wherein the nozzle jet of fluid, usually gaseous fluid such as air, acts directly on a liquid or semi-liquid material which has been applied as a coating to the surface of a substrate, such as paper, film, foil, cloth or metal strip, in excess immediately ahead of or upstream from the particular nozzle in terms of movement of the substrate relative to the nozzle. Furthermore, this doctoring means use may be divided into two distinct sub-uses, one in which the nozzle is used as an air brush, and the other in which the nozzle is used as an air knife.

In the air brush sub-use the nozzle is positioned relative to a substrate which may be moving over some form of backing surface so that the jet of air or other fluid from the nozzle impinges against the surface of the substrate almost at right angles, and in this manner, the liquid coating material which has been applied to the substrate upstream from the nozzle is metered by a pressure dam created by the air jet impinging on the substrate surface. In such use, the path of movement of the substrate is usually vertically upward, the working pressure of the air in and from the nozzle is relatively low, the coating liquids are usually thin and of low viscosity, and there is no blow-off of the liquid coating material from the surface of the substrate as such, but rather the excess coating liquid runs backward down the surface of the substrate where it is accumulated and disposed of or reused.

The second sub-use of such nozzles as an air knife is at higher working air or fluid pressures, on higher viscosity coating fluids, at a lower or sharper angle to the plane of the substrate and opposed to the movement of the substrate which may be passing over a backing or breast roll. In this case, the air jet from the nozzle may be at an angle at approximately 45 degrees from the substrate surface impinging against the movement of the substrate so as to shear the liquid coating material which has been applied to the substrate surface upstream from the nozzle. The sheared portion of the liquid coating is blown free of the substrate surface in large and small droplets which are collected in a type of blowofl box for disposal or reuse.

A second basic use of gaseous fluid nozzles in the coating industry is as a backing means, in which case, the air or other gaseous fluid jet is applied to the back of the moving substrate, such as paper, to maintain a uniform pressure of the opposite side of the paper being coated against a rigid blade or knife. Again, the purpose of using this air jet against the back of the paper is to provide an even pressure of the paper against the rigid knife in order to provide as even a coating as possible on the coating surface of the substrate free of ripples and other possible flaws. One example of this backing 3,314,163 Patented Apr. 18, 1967 means use is illustrated in my prior U.S. Patent No. 3,113,884, entitled, Coating Means and Method, and issued Dec. 10, 1963.

A still further possible use of this type of fluid nozzle is in the metal coating industry. For instance, I have applied gaseous fluid nozzles of this general type experimentally as doctoring means of molten metal, such as aluminum, applied as a coating to steel strip. Thus, it is not intended to limit the principles of the present invention to the paper coating industry or the coating of substrates of this general type, but rather it is fully contemplated that the principles of the present invention may be applied to nozzles for many uses, some of which may not be presently known.

One of the major problems with nozzles as used in the coating industry, Whether used as doctoring means or backup means, or in any of the other possible uses, is that it is vitally important to maintain a smooth even flow of gaseous or other fluid from the nozzle and this can only be accomplished by reducing turbulence within the nozzle to an absolute minimum, as well as maintaining the jet of gaseous fluid from the nozzle in a uniform flow direction. The quality of the turbulence and uniform flow characteristics of the particular nozzle is directly determinative of the quality of the coated surface obtained and the freedom of this coated surface from the undesirable irregularities. Furthermore, this problem of maintaining maximum freedom from turbulence and maximum uniformity of direction of flow is particularly magnified when it is considered that it is necessary for the nozzle and the jet of gaseous fluid therefrom to extend over a relatively wide transverse surface as is presented by the materials to be coated and moving by the coating location.

Thus, it is first necessary to supply fluids, such as air, over a relatively wide transverse distance rearwardly of the nozzle opening and then direct this air entirely along this transverse distance through the nozzle opening free of turbuence and in a uniform direction of flow, and at the same time, provide a jet of substantially uniform thickness entirely along this transverse distance in order that the eflect on the substrate coating will be uniform throughout as well as free of irregularities. Again, this problem has been further magnified in prior constructions of nozzles of this type for the reason that, in order to maintain the necessary uniformity of nozzle opening throughout the entire transverse distance, it has been necessary to provide some form of adjustment screws at spaced transverse locations along the nozzle around which the air must pass prior to or during flow from the nozzle, again adding to the turbulence and non-uniformity of direction of flow problems.

Still a further problem with prior nozzle constructions of this type is that in use for coating, the various materials such as paper wherein the coating material is applied upstream from the nozzle and the paper is moving past the nozzle, splices, sheet flutter, web breaks and other paper defects will cause small portions of the coating material to enter the nozzle where this material hardens. These spots of coating material and any other impurities which may enter the nozzle can cause obstructions which sufiiciently disturb the flow from the nozzle so as to permit wet streaks of coating material and thus defects and irregularities on the coated surface. For this reason, it is desirable to provide some means for readily gaining free access to the interior of the nozzle in order to maintain the same in a properly cleaned condition.

Finally, in nozzle constructions of this type previously used in the coating industry, the proper setting of the nozzle relative to the moving substrate for properly setting the clearance between the nozzle and substrate, the exact transverse line of impingement of the fluid from the nozzle against the substrate, and the proper angle of impingement of the fluid against the substrate, has been particularly tedious and time consuming. Also, in these prior constructions, when one of these settings is changed, such change directly affects and changes the other settings so that, for instance, if it is necessary to change the clearance setting, it is further necessary to reset the angle of impingement and line or point of impingement settings.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a nozzle construction for coating machines and the like which satisfies the foregoing requirements and solves the foregoing difliculties and disadvantages of the prior construction.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a nozzle construction for coating machines and the like in which the fluid jet therefrom extending over a relatively wide transverse distance is of maximum uniformity and is relatively free from turbulence so as to provide a coated surface without irregularities.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a nozzle construction for coating machines and the like in which the nozzle is separable along a transverse plane so as to provide free access to the interior of the nozzle and nozzle body for performing the necessary cleaning functions.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a nozzle construction for coating machines and the like in which the mounting means for positioning the nozzle in a predetermined working position is preferably formed by normally rigid, pivotally connected link systems, with one link of such systems being selectively variable in length for movement of the nozzle between this working position and a retracted position wherein the nozzle is spaced away from the working position in order to provide better access to the entire nozzle construction for the cleaning functions.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a nozzle construction for coating machines and the like in which the nozzle is mounted in a Working position preferably by normally rigid, pivotally connected linkage systems constructed such that preferably either of the clearance setting or angle of impingement setting may be selectively changed without affecting the other setting and without affecting the line or point of impingement setting, and further preferably constructed such that where a selected adjustment is provided for the line or point of impingement setting, such setting may be selectively varied without affecting the angle of impingement setting.

Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a nozzle construction for coating machines and the like which satisfies all of the foregoing objects in a relatively simple and eflicient manner.

These and other objects are accomplished by the parts, constructions, arrangements, combinations and subcombinations comprising the present invention, preferred embodiments of which-illustrative of the best modes in which applicant has contemplated applying the principlesare set forth in the following description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and which are particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims forming a part hereof.

In general terms, the nozzle construction for coating machines and the like comprising the present invention may be stated as including a transversely elongated nozzle body having a transversely elongated discharge opening formed therein so as to discharge an elongated jet of fluid, such as air, at a surface along a transverse line of impingement Further, the nozzle body preferably includes transversely extending distribution chamber means formed in the nozzle body spaced rearwardly from the discharge opening and extending transversely a distance at least equal to the length of the discharge opening, plenum means formed in the nozzle body between the distribution chamber means and discharge opening, and restricted opening means formed in the nozzle body communicating between the distribution chamber means and plenum means. Thus, with fluid such as air supplied to the distribution chamber means, this fluid will pass from the distribution chamber means through the restricted opening means into the plenum means, and from the plenum means through the nozzle body discharge opening.

More specifically, the distribution chamber means may be formed as two transversely extending and separated parts, each preferably making up one-half of the distribution chamber means and having equal cross-sections, with these distribution chamber halves exhausting fiuid into a common plenum through restricted openings from each of the distribution chamber halves. Further, the restricted opening means are preferably transversely extending series of substantially equal size, aligned, and unequally and non-repetitively spaced holes between each of the distribution chamber halves and plenum means, with such unequal and non-repetitive spacing being true at least for each one-half of the transverse length of the nozzle body.

Also, the nozzle body may be formed separable along a transverse plane extending through the distribution chamber means, plenum means and discharge opening forming nozzle body parts which may be hingedly connected spaced rearwardly of the discharge opening, so that the nozzle body parts may be hingedly moved between a closed operative position and an open position in which the plenum means is freely accessible due to the expansion of the discharge opening resulting from such hinged movement. Further, where the distribution chamber means is formed in the two separated parts, or preferably halves, the plane of hinged separation may extend transversely between these parts or halves.

Still further, the invention may include exterior pressure means, preferably in the form of exteriorly mounted selectively adjustable fluid pressure cylinders eifective transversely along the nozzle body intermediate the ends of the nozzle body for selectively regulating the size of the discharge opening intermediate said nozzle 'body ends. Furthermore, where the nozzle body is hingedly separable, stop means may be provided on the nozzle body and preferably at the nozzle body ends for preferably selectively adjustably regulating the size of the discharge opening, and the selectively adjustable fluid pressure means may also be mounted at the nozzle body ends, but effective against the nozzle body at selected points, preferably one-quarter points, along the transverse length of the nozzle body.

Additionally, the present invention may include mounting means for the nozzle in the form of normally rigid pivotally connected link means operably connected to the nozzle for mounting the nozzle in a predetermined working position, with the nozzle in this working position having selected clearance, angle of impingement and line or point of impingement settings. Further, such link means may be constructed with at least one link of selectively variable length for selective movement of the nozzle through the link means between said predetermined working position and a nozzle retracted position in which the nozzle is spaced away from the working position.

Still further, whether or not the link means mounts the nozzle movable between the working and retracted positions, the link means may be formed with any one or all of selectively operable clearance adjustment means, angle of impingement adjustment means, and line or point of impingement adjustment means, with the clearance and angle of impingement adjustment means being independently operable without affecting the setting of the other or the point of impingement setting, and the point of impingement adjustment means being independently operable without affecting at least the angle of impingement settings. More specifically, the link means may include two four-bar pivotally connected link systems having at least one linkage bar common to each system for controlling movement of one system relative to the other system, with the angle adjustment means including means for rotatably shifting these two four-bar linkage systems together around a pivotal connection of at least one of said systems for pivoting the nozzle about a fasle center created by the link means and consisting of the line of impingement, thereby selectively changing the angle of impingement setting without affecting selective clearance and point of impingement settings.

By way of example, embodiments of the nozzle construction for coating machines and the like of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals indicate similar parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation, with certain parts broken away and in section, looking in the direction of the arrows 1-1 in FIG. 4, of a first embodiment of the nozzle construction of the present invention shown mounted for use as an air knife;

FIG. 2, a fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation and with parts broken away, looking in the direction of the arrows 22 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 3, a view similar to FIG. 2, but with the nozzle in a retracted and open position;

FIG. 4, a fragmentary top plan view, with parts broken away and parts in section, of the nozzle construction of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6, an enlarged sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 66 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7, an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, part in elevation, looking in the direction of the arrows 77 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8, a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the nozzle body and nozzle alone, with the various selectively adjustable positions of the nozzle construction of the present invention illustrated in broken lines relative to a plane surface; and

FIG. 9, a fragmentary side elevation of a second embodiment of the nozzle construction of the present invention illustrating a form of the nozzle construction as used as backup means.

As previously stated, the nozzle construction of the present invention may be used in various functions and with various fluids, whether gaseous or liquid, and it is not intended to limit the principles of the present invention to any particular application nor to the particular form shown. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 8, however, the first embodiment of the nozzle construction shown is for use in an air knife application, wherein the fluid is preferably air, the substrate is preferably paper, and is moving against the angle of impingement of the nozzle and over a breast roll or backing roll.

As shown in FIG. 1, a transversely elongated nozzle body generally indicated at 10, is mounted in a working position by two interconnected four-bar linkage systems, generally indicated at 11, for impinging a transversely elongated jet of air against paper, generally indicated at 12, moving over a backing or breast roll, generally indicated at 13.

The internal construction of the nozzle body 10 is best seen in FIGS. 4 through 7 and includes upper and lower, preferably equal cross'section, distribution chambers 14 and 15 formed separately in the nozzle body and extending transversely the length thereof. Furthermore, the distribution chambers 14 and 15 are spaced rearwardly in the nozzle body and separated by a common plenum 19 from the transversely elongated nozzle or discharge opening 16 formed by the upper and lower nozzle lips 17 and 18.

As best seen in FIG. 6, the nozzle body 10 is actually formed as two continuously transversely extending nozzle body portions, preferably halves, with the upper half being indicated at 20 and the preferably identical and opposed lower half being indicated at 21, and with the upper distribution chamber 14 being enclosed within the nozzle body upper half 2! by a transversely extending partition member 22 and the lower distribution chamber 15 being enclosed within the nozzle body lower half 21 by the transversely extending partition 23. The plenum 19 and discharge opening 16 are formed by both of the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21, with the nozzle lip 17 being carried by the nozzle body wall portion 20a and the nozzle lip 18 being carried by the nozzle body wall portion 21a, so that the nozzle body 10 is separable along a transverse plane passing adjacent the distribution chambers 14 and 15 between the respective partition membars .22 and 23, midway through the plenum 19, and midway through the discharge opening 16 between the nozzle lips 17 and 18, which plane will, in this case, also coincide with the angle of impingement of the air jet from the discharge opening 16 and pass through the line of impingement, as will be hereinafter discussed more in detail.

Restricted openings are provided through the angled wall portions 22a and 23a of upper and lower partition members 22 and 23. The restricted openings comprise a series of transversely spaced, preferably substantially circular holes 24 and 25 to provide communication for air flow between the upper and lower distribution chambers 14 and 15 and the common plenum 19. Plenum 19 is formed by partition wall portions 22:: and 23a and body wall portions 26a and 21a, as well shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As indicated in FIG. 7 by the air flow arrows 26 and 27, the partion members 22 and 23 are angled at wall portions 22a and 23a at the location of the holes 24 and 25 and the holes are formed such that the air flowing from the separate distribution chambers 14 and 15 will meet in the plenum 19 at a transverse line location spaced rearwardly from the discharge opening 16. Thus, holes 24 and 25 are directed into plenum 19 rearwardly of the discharge opening 16 and toward body wall portions 21a and 20a, respectively, as also is shown by arrows 26 and 27 in FIG. 7. Holes 24 in the upper partition member 22 and the holes 25 in the lower partition member 23 are preferably of equal size, aligned and unequally and nonrepetitively spaced throughout at least each one-half of the transverse extent of the nozzle body 10.

The nozzle body 10 is of substantially identical crosssection throughout the effective transverse length thereof and each of the halves of the nozzle construction from the transverse midpoint outwardly to the ends thereof are substantially identical. Thus, as best seen in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, air or other fluid to be ejected from the nozzle is fed equally to each of the nozzle ends through the supply pipes 28 into the ends of the lower distribution chamber 15, as best seen in FIG. 5

A baflle 29 is mounted in each of the ends of the lower distribution chamber 15 immediately at the supply pipes 28, and this battle is positioned dividing each of the entering streams of air or other fluid substantially in half, permitting one-half of such flow to continue directly transversely into the lower distribution chamber 15 and diverting the other one-half of the flow upwardly into the upper distribution chamber 14, passing through the rectangular supply openings 30 formed between these distribution chambers, as best seen in FIG. 5. Further, the upper and lower distribution chambers 14 and 15 are appropriately sealed around the supply openings 30 by usual resilient sealing members 31 preventing the escape of air from the nozzle body 10 as it passes between these distribution chambers.

Thus, substantially equal amounts of air are fed to each of the substantially equal cross-section upper and lower distribution chambers 14 and 15 from each of the ends thereof so that this air will flow substantially equally along these distribution chambers with the various flow paths meeting at the center of the nozzle body 10. From the upper and lower distribution chambers 14 and 15, the air then flows forwardly through the respective restricted passage holes 24 and 25 entirely along the lengths of these distribution chambers into the common plenum 19.

As particularly shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the holes 24 and 25 providing the communication for the air from the distribution chambers 14 and 15 into the common plenum 19, direct such flow so that the two streams meet and mix within the common plenum rearwardly of the discharge opening 16 of the nozzle body 10 as previously described. Thereafter, the air is ejected from the common plenum 19 through the discharge opening 16 forming the jet which impinges against the substrate in the form of the paper 12.

In view of the fact that the air enters the ends of the distribution chambers 14 and 15 equally, the creation of excessive turbulence in the fluid stream is eliminated, but what turbulence is present is removed by forcing the air to pass from the distribution chambers 14 and 15 through the respective restricted opening holes 24 and 25 and mixing within the common plenum 19 rearwardly of the discharge opening 16. Also, since the restricted opening holes 24 and 25 are equal in number and aligned, the air is fed smoothly to the common plenum 19 and in the proper direction, generally perpendicular to the transverse extent of the discharge opening 16, so that the discharge of air from the discharge opening 16 will be perfectly even throughout the entire transverse extent of this discharge opening, will be smooth and free of turbulence, and will have a maximum uniformity of direction of flow.

Further, since the flow of air between the distribution chambers 14 and 15 to the common plenum 19 is through the series of spaced holes 24 and 25, it is believed that in order to insure against the creation of permanent ripples or standing waves within the path of air flow, or the creation of standing waves from sound which in turn would create such standing waves in the air flow, it is preferred that each of the transverse lines of holes 24 and 25 have the holes formed unequally and non-repetitively spaced throughout at least each one-half of the transverse extent of the nozzle body 10, as previously described. In this way, any possibility of harmonics is eliminated which could create turbulence within the air flow from the discharge opening 16.

As previously described, the nozzle body 10 is formed of the separate transversely extending upper and lower halves and 21 and, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 6, the nozzle body upper half 20 is mounted on and keyed to the inner end portions of the torque shafts 32 by the two mounting plates 33, whereas the nozzle body lower half 21 is journalled with the inner and outer ends of these torque shafts 32, as well as the continuous, transversely extending hand wheel shaft 34 by the four mounting plates 35. As previously described, from the transverse midpoint transversely to the ends thereof, the nozzle construction and mounting means therefor are substantially identical, so that it is only necessary to describe one side since the other will be substantially identical.

As shown in FIG. 4, the torque shafts 32 extend from the ends of the nozzle body 10 transversely inwardly and it is preferred that each of these torque shafts 32 will extend slightly more than one-quarter of the nozzle body transverse length so that the nozzle body upper half 20 may be keyed to these torque shafts substantially at the one-quarter points along the transverse length of the nozzle body 10, that is, one-quarter of the transverse distance inwardly from each end of the nozzle body, for a purpose to be hereinafter described. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the rearwardly extending internal gear plates 36 are keyed to the torque shafts 32 near the outer ends of such shafts with these gear plates being provided with the arcuate slots 37 for receiving the hand wheel shaft 34 therethrough and permitting limited rotation of the gear plates 36 relative to the hand wheel shaft 34 and with the torque shafts 32.

The gears 38 are formed extending transversely from the gear plates 36 and are engaged by the pinions 39 se- 8 cured to the hand wheel shaft 34. Further, the hand wheel shaft 34 may be provided with a hand wheel 40 preferably approximately at the transverse midpoint thereof, so that this shaft 34 may be rotated by hand through the wheel 40.

Thus, without regard to any other movement of the nozzle body 10, by rotating the hand wheel shaft 34 in the appropriate direction, torque shafts 32 will be rotated through the pinions 39, gears 38 and gear plates 36, to thereby hingedly move the nozzle body upper half 20 relative to nozzle body lower half 21, with this nozzle body lower half remaining stationary. In this manner, the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21 may be moved hingedly between a closed operative position and an open position in which the discharge opening 16 and plenum 19 are angularly expanded and the upper and lower distribution chambers 14 and 15 angularly separated, to thereby provide free access into the expanded plenum 19 and to the inner surfaces of the upper and lower nozzle lips 17 and 18 for the necessary cleaning and maintenance operations.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 the upper distribution chamber 14 terminates transversely just outwardly of the supply openings 30 formed between these upper and lower distribution chambers 14 and 15, with the lower distribution chamber 15 continuing transversely beyond and forming the ends of the nozzle body 10. The stop member mounting arms 41 are secured to the ends of the nozzle body upper half 20 extending transversely outwardly overlying the extension of the nozzle body lower half 21 and these mounting arms mount the stop members 42.

Stop members 42 are formed in any usual manner with selectively adjustable rods 43, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, and these rods abut downwardly against anvils 44 received mounted in the nozzle body lower half 21 adjacent the ends of the lower half 21 when the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21 are in their closed operative position. At the same time, in view of this construction, the rods 43 of the stop members 42 may separate from the anvils 44 when the nozzle body halves are moved into the open position previously described, as shown for instance in FIG. 3.

Thus, with the arrangement of the stop members 42 selectively adjustable and acting between the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21, these stop members determine the distance between the nozzle lips 17 and 18 when the nozzle body halves are moved to closed operative position and thereby determine the size of the discharge opening 16 between these nozzle lips. In this manner, the size of the discharge opening 16 may be selectively adjusted to any desired setting which will remain despite opening and closing of the nozzle body halves 20 and 21 until purposely altered.

It should be particularly noted that these stop members 42 are mounted and perform the regulation of the discharge opening size outwardly of the inner confines of the upper and lower distribution chambers 14 and 15, as well as outwardly of the plenum 19. For this reason, this reg ulation of the discharge opening 16 is accomplished in a manner which does not in any way disturb the smooth flow of fluid, in this case air, through the distribution chambers 14 and 15, plenum 19, and from the discharge opening 16.

In view of the fact that these stop members 42 act at the extreme ends of the nozzle body 10, the air pressure Within the nozzle body can cause slight outward flexing of the lip walls of one or both of the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21, so that the discharge opening 16 can increase slightly progressively in size from the ends of the nozzle body transversely inwardly, and this may be corrected by selective adjustment of the pressure members, generally indicated at 45 andbest seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. As shown, the pressure members 45 are preferably in the form of fluid pressure cylinders 46 secured to 9 the nozzle body upper half 20 at the ends thereof and rearwardly of the stop members 42.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the plungers 47 of the pressure cylinders 46 act by downward abutment against the torque arms 48, which torque arms, when the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21 are in closed operative position, extend rearwardly and are secured to the outer ends of the pinions 39 secured on the hand wheel shaft 34. Thus, after the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21 have been hingedly moved to closed operative position through the rotation of the hand wheel shaft 34 by means of the hand wheel 48 and against the stop action of the stop member 42, the plungers 47 of the pressure cylinders 46 may be extended to bear downwardly against the torque arms 48 which will apply additional torque to the hand wheel shaft 34. Furthermore, this additional torque will be transmitted through the pinions 39, racks 38, and rack plates 36 to the torque shafts 32, which torque shafts will in turn transmit this additional torque to the mounting plaes 33 and finally, at the transverse one-quarter points to the nozzle body upper half 20.

This additional downward pressure on the nozzle body upper half 20 at the transverse one-quarter points will apply torsion to body half 20 causing a fiexure on this upper half similar to a beam flexure, with the stop members 42 acting as fixed support or fulcrum points, thereby tending to move the nozzle lip 17 closer to lip 18 intermediate the ends of the nozzle body upper and lower halves and despite the action of the stop members 42 holding the nozzle lips 17 and 18 spaced for the desired opening gap at the ends of the discharge opening formed by the nozzle lips. Thus, by selective regulation of the pressure cylinders 46, it is possible to completely regulate the size of the discharge opening 16 throughout the transverse length thereof, again without the addition of anything internally within the nozzle body which could disturb the smooth even flow of air through and from this nozzle body.

In view of the fact that the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21 are hingedly separable along the par tition members 22 and 23 as previously described, resilient sealing members 49 are provided in appropriate grooves acting between the partition members 22 and 23 and rearwardly of the common plenum 19 so as to prevent air from leaking rearwardly from the plenum between the partition members when the nozzle body upper and lower halves 20 and 21 are moved to closed operative position, as best seen in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7, and these sealing members 49 also extend forwardly along the extreme ends of the plenum 19 to prevent transverse leakage of air, as best seen in FIG. 4. Further, as best seen in FIGS. 4 and 7, appropriate resilient sealing strips 50 may be inserted endwise selected transverse distances at the extreme ends of and between the nozzle lips 17 and 18, so as to close off selected end portions of the discharge opening 16 between the nozzle lips when the nozzle body upper and lower halves are in the closed operative position, and in this manner, regulate the transverse length of the discharge opening 16 as desired. Thus, the sealing means seals the body halves together beyond the discharge opening 16 when the members 20 and 21 are in closed position.

The entire nozzle construction thus far described is mounted on and supported by the linkage system, generally indicated at 11, and in general terms, this linkage system, in addition to supporting the nozzle body 10 in working position closely adjacent the breast roll 13, performs numerous unique functions. Furthermore, the linkage system 11 is mounted at each of the ends of the nozzle body 10 and is substantially identical at each of these ends, so that a description of one end will adequately describe both.

The main one of the functions of the linkage system 11 is to mount the nozzle body 10 in working position having a preselected clearance setting determining the exact clearance between the discharge opening 16 and the surface of the paper 12 against which the fluid jet, in this case air jet, impinges, also having a preselected angle of impingement setting determining the angle of impingement of the air jet from the discharge opening against the surface of the paper, and also having a predetermined point of impingement setting determining the transverse line of impingement of the air jet from the discharge opening against the surface of the paper. Furthermore, this linkage system 11 may be arranged for providing selective adjustability of any one or all of these three settings arranged in a unique manner such that these adjustments may be made without affecting certain of the other settings.

The other prime function of the linkage system 11 is to mount the nozzle body 11 movable between the working position closely adjacent the breast roll 13 and a retracted position spaced rearwardly away from the breast roll, to provide clearance for gaining access to the interior of the nozzle body 10 when the nozzle body halves 2i and 21 are pivotally opened for performing the cleaning operations. Also the linkage system 11 is arranged for performing this latter retracting function such that despite repeated movements of the nozzle body 10 from working position, all of the selected settings of the nozzle body will be retained every time the nozzle body is returned to its working position and until otherwise altered.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, the rigid mounting links or plates 51 are secured extending downwardly from the ends of the nozzle body lower half 21 so that these mounting links, as previously stated, support the entire nozzle construction thus far described and totally maintain the before discussed settings of the nozzle body 10 when this nozzle body is in working position. Furthermore, as best seen in FIG. 1, these mounting links 51 are preferably each formed with relatively slidably movable nozzle parts 52 and linkage parts 53, with the two parts of each mounting link being retained in relative slidable settings by means of the selectively operable clearance adjustment screws 54.

The adjustment screws 54 are journalled for rotatable but not axial movement in the portions 53a of linkage parts 53, which portions 53a are secured to the linkage parts 53. Further, the clearance adjustment screws 54 are threadably engaged with blocks 52a secured to the nozzle parts 52, so that rotatable adjustment of screws 54 causes the mounting links 51 to move slidably along the linkage parts 53, thereby carrying the entire nozzle body 10 slidably relative to the linkage parts 53 and the remainder of the rigid linkage systems 11. Such slidable movement of the nozzle parts 52 relative to the linkage parts 53 is along the edge 52b and it is important to note, as will be hereinafter discussed more in detail, that this edge 52b determining the exact direction of slidable movement is exactly parallel to the line or angle of impingement of the air jet from the discharge opening 16 against the paper 12.

The linkage parts 53 of the mounting links 51 are pivotally connected at the spaced pivot points 55 and 56 to ends of the normally rigid major links 57 and 58. The other ends of the major links 57 are pivotally connected at the pivot points 59 to the ends of the cross links 60, and the other ends of the major links 58 are pivotally connected at the pivot points 61 to the cross links 60 intermediate the lengths of these cross links.

The other ends of the cross links 60 are secured keyed to the angle of impingement adjustment shaft 62, which shaft extends the complete transverse length of nozzle body 10 and is journalled in stationary supports 63 mounted at either end so as to form a similar mount for both linkage systems 11 at either end. Still further, adjustment extension 64 is preferably secured to only one of the cross links 60 of one of the linkage systems 11 extending beyond the shaft 62, and the end of this extension 64 is pivotally engaged by the angle of impingement adjustment screw 65 which acts between this extension and a stationary support (not shown) so as to normally retain the cross links 60 stationary. This construction, therefore, mounts the cross links 60 selectively pivotal at the pivot point determined by the adjustment shaft 62 on selective movement of the adjustment screw 65.

Finally, the cross links 66 are pivotally connected at one end intermediate the lengths of the major links 58 forming the pivot point 67 on the major links 58 spaced between the pivot points 56 and 61. The other ends of the cross links 66 are pivotally connected to a stationary support 68 forming the pivot points 69 and, since the ends of both the cross links 64) and cross links 66 are secured to stationary supports, this is the equivalent of having additional rigid although stationary links extending between the pivot points 69 and 62.

Therefore, with the linkage system thus far described, the clearance between the discharge opening 16 of the nozzle body and the paper 12 against which the air jet is impinging may be selectively adjusted merely by regulating the clearance adjustment screws 54, which shift the nozzle parts 52 of the mounting links 51 relative to the linkage parts 53 thereof and in this manner, shift the nozzle body 16 in or out relative to the paper 12. Furthermore, it will be noted that in changing this clearance setting by adjustment of the clearance adjustment screws 54, the point of impingement and angle of impingement settings of the nozzle body 10 remain completely unaffected since the movement caused by the screws 54 is exactly parallel to the line or angle of impingement of the air jet from the discharge opening 16.

Also, the angle of impingement setting may be changed by operating the adjustment screw 65 so as to shift the cross links 60 about the pivot point 62, which shifts the entire linkage system 11 so as to shift the nozzle body 10 and change the angle of impingement setting thereof relative to the paper 12. Again, it is seen that this angle of impingement may be altered without aflecting the clearance and point of impingement settings since the nozzle body 10 will shift arcuately about the line of impingement on the paper 12.

In this first embodiment nozzle construction of the present invention, the linkage system 11 does not include provisions for altering or shifting the point of impingement setting, that is, the particular setting of the transverse line of impingement on the paper 12. Provision for altering this point of impingement setting, however, is provided in the second embodiment of the nozzle construction of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 9 and will be discussed later, as will be the particular relationships between the various links necessary in order to accomplish the various functions of altering the particular settings with the unique effects described.

In order to accomplish the further function of providing the nozzle body 10 movable between its working position closely adjacent the breast roll 13, as shown in FIG. 1, and a retracted position spaced away from the breast roll 13, as shown in FIG. 3, it is merely necessary to provide means for either selectively shortening the major link 57 between the pivot points 55 and 59, or provide means for lengthening major link 58 between the pivot points 56 and 67, either of which will accomplish movement of the nozzle body 10 from working to retracted position. In the particular case illustrated, the major link 57 is formed from a fluid cylinder 70 pivotally connected at the pivot point 55 and having a plunger 71 pivotally connected at the pivot point 59.

In working position of the nozzle body 19, the plunger 71 of the fluid cylinder 70 is in fully extended position, shown in full lines in FIG. 1, so that this fluid cylinder merely makes up the rigid link 57. When the plunger 57 is retracted, however, telescoping into the fluid cylinder 70, since the cross links 66 remain stationary, the fluid cylinders will move closer to the cross link 60, thereby pivoting the mounting links 59 and all of the remainder of the nozzle construction supported thereby, including the nozzle body 10, around the pivot points 56 at the ends of the rigid major link 58. This thereby moves the nozzle body .arcuately away from working position to retracted position, shown in broken lines in FIG. 1 and in full lines in FIG. 3.

It will be noted that this movement of the nozzle body 10 through the selective operation of the fluid cylinder 75) from working position, despite the frequency with which it is repeated, cannot alter the clearance setting, angle of impingement setting or point of impingement setting. Thus, despite repeated movement of the nozzle body 10 from working position to retracted and back to working position, these settings will remain precisely the same unless purposely altered by the other various adjustment means described in the foregoing.

The second embodiment of the nozzle construction is illustrated in FIG. 9 and is principally for the purpose of showing a slightly altered form of the linkage system which accomplishes identically the same functions, plus providing for selective point of impingement adjustment, as the linkage system described in the first embodiment. Thus, in this case, any usual form of nozzle body is indicated at having the discharge opening 116 for impinging a jet of fluid, such as air, against a substrate, such as the paper 112.

One of the nozzle body halves 120 is mounted by the mounting links 151 to the linkage system, generally indicated at 111, with the other of the nozzle body halves 121 being pivotally or angularly separable from the half 120 by means of the rod or rods 172. Stop members 142 are again provided for selectively regulating the size of the discharge opening 116 in a manner similar to that described in the first embodiment construction.

In this second embodiment construction, the nozzle body 110 is secured to the mounting links 151 through the nozzle parts (not shown), which nozzle parts support the nozzle body 110 and are slidable relative to the linkage parts 153 of these mounting links, with such slidable movement being regulated by the clearance adjustment screws 154. Furthermore, such adjustment by screws 154 is again exactly parallel to the line or angle of impingement of the jet of air from the discharge opening 116. Thus, by regulating the clearance adjustment screws 154, the nozzle body 110 may be moved toward and away from the paper 112, thereby selectively changing the clearance adjustment without affecting the angle of impingement or point of impingement settings.

The linkage system 111 again includes the normally rigid major links 157 which are formed by the selectively operable fluid cylinders 170 having the plungers 171, and these major links 157 are pivotally connected to the mounting links 151 at the pivot points 155, as well as to the rigid cross links 164) at the pivot points 159. The other major links 158 are pivotally connected at the pivot points 156 to the other sides of the mounting links 151 and are also pivotally connected at the pivot points 161 to the other sides of the cross links 160.

The rigid cross links 1611 are mounted selectively pivotal but normally stationary on the stationary frame 173 again through the angle of impingement adjustment shaft 162, with these cross links being retained normally stationary by an adjustment extension 164 formed secured to one of the ends of the one cross link. The adjustment extension 164 is in turn retained normally stationary, similar to the first embodiment, by the angle of impingement adjustment screw 165 which is otherwise connected to the stationary frame (not shown). Thus, by selectively shifting the one rigid cross link through the adjustment screw and thereby pivoting the shaft 162 around the centerline thereof, both of these rigid cross links 160 may be pivoted to shift the mounting links 151 and alter the angle of impingement of the nozzle body 110 while still retaining the clearance and point of impingement settings thereof.

The minor links 174 are journalled on the angle of impingement adjustment shaft 162 so as to be pivotal relative to the cross links 160, but are normally held stationary by selectively adjustable point of impingement adjusting screws 175. These point of impingement adjusting screws 175 are pivotally connected to the minor links 174 at the pivot points 176 with the other ends of these screws being retained stationary by a connection to the stationary frame 173, not shown.

Finally the cross links 166 are pivotally connected intermediate the lengths of the major links 158 at the pivot points 167 and are pivotally connected intermediate the lengths of the minor links 174 at the pivot points 169.

Thus, by selective adjustment at the point of impingement adjustment screws 175, the minor links 174 may be shifted about the angle of impingement adjustment shaft 162 while this shaft remains stationary and thereby retains the cross links 160 stationary. This adjustment of the minor links 174, however, due to the cross links 166, will shift both the major links 158 and 157 pivotally with respect to the cross links 160, thereby carrying the mounting links 151 which in turn carry the nozzle body 110, shifting the nozzle body along the paper 112. This, therefore, changes the point of impingement setting to Change the location of the transverse line of impinge ment.

It will be noted that changing the point of impingement adjustment, as described, due to the particular linkage system, will not alter the angle of impingement, since the cross links 160 are retained stationary and the major links 157 and 158 are of equal length, but will cause a slight change in the clearance setting, the amount of which is determined by the lengths of the major links 157 and 158. In most cases, and particularly with relatively small changes in the point of impingement setting, this change in clearance setting will be sufiiciently small so as to be virtually negligible and of no consequence.

Finally, as in the first embodiment, the nozzle body 110 is arcuately movable between the working position shown in full lines in FIG. 9 and the retracted position shown in broken lines in FIG. 9, merely by the selected shortening of the major links 157 by operation of the fluid cylinders 170 between extended and retracted positions. Again, it will be noted that movement of the nozzle body 110 from working position to retracted position and back to working position through the fluid cylinders 170 will not alter any of the point of impingement, angle of impingement or clearance settings.

In both the first and second embodiments of the nozzle construction of the present invention illustrated, although the linkage systems 11 and 111 are slightly different in form, the basic theory of these linkage systems is substan-.

tially the same. Furthermore, both of these linkage systems 11 and 111 must have certain equalities and alignments in order to perform the various functions described.

In the first place, both of these linkage systems 11 and 111 are comprised of two pivotally conected rigid fourbar linkage systems having at least one link common to each of the four-bar systems. Furthermore, the angular relationship between the links of each four-bar linkage system tying these systems to the angle of impingement adjustment shafts 62 and 162 must remain constant.

In the first embodiment linkage system 11 shown in FIG. 1, the first rigid four-bar linkage system is made up by the major links 57 and 58, the mounting links 51, and the cross links 60 between the pivot points 59 and 61. The second rigid four-bar linkage system is made up of the major links 58 between the pivot points 61 and 67, the rigid frame between shaft 62 and pivot points 69, the cross links 60 between the pivot points 61 and shaft 62, and the cross links 66. Further, the angular relationship of the link of the first system formed between pivot points 59 and 61 and the link of the second system t formed between pivot points 61 and shaft 62 must remain constant since the cross links 60 are rigid links and form both of the first and second system links.

In the second embodiment linkage system 111 shown in FIG. 9, the first rigid four-bar linkage system is made up by the major links 157 and 158, the mounting links 151, and the cross links 160 between the pivot points 159 and 161. The second rigid four-bar linkage system in the second embodiment is made up of the major links 158 between the pivot points 161 and 167, the minor links 174 between the pivot points 169 and shaft 162, the cross links 160 between the pivot points 161 and shaft 162, and the cross links 166. Also, in the second embodiment, the angular relationship of the link of the first system formed between pivot points 159 and 161 and the link of the second system formed between the pivot points 161 and shaft 162 must remain'constant since the cross links 160 are rigid links and form both of the first and second system links.

Thus, in the first embodiment linkage system shown in FIG. 1, the major links 58 between the pivot points 61 and 67 are common to both rigid four-bar linkage systems, whereas in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the major links 158 between the pivot points 161 and 167 are common to both rigid four-bar linkage systems. Furthermore, in both embodiments the necessary constant angular relationships between links to the angle of impingement adjustment shafts 62 and 162 are maintained between the first and second four-bar linkage systems due to the rigidity of the cross links 61) and 160 forming parts of both systems in each embodiment. This, thereby, in each case, ties the two rigid four-bar linkage systems together and requires movement of one to be transmitted into movement of the other.

As previously described, in the first embodiment linkage system 11 of FIG. 1, selective pivoting of the cross links 60 about the centerline of the shaft 62 will cause the nozzle body 10 to move arcuately about the transverse line of impingement, so that the angle of impingement setting may be altered without changing the clearance or point of impingement settings. This same thing is true in the second embodiment linkage system 111, shown in FIG. 9, that is, by pivoting the crosslinks 60 about the centerline of the shaft 162, the nozzle body is moved in an arcuate path about the transverse line of impingement, to thereby alter the angle of impingement setting without affecting the clearance or point of impingement settings.

This is possible in both cases by the fact that, due to the particular linkage systems 11 and 111, a false center is established at the line of impingement for arcuate movement of the nozzle bodies 10 and 110, which false center is directly related to the centerlines of the shafts 62 and 162. In other words, pivotal movement of the pivotally connected double four-bar rigid linkage systems about the actual center created by the centerlines of the shafts 62 and 162 creates a false center at the transverse line of impingement about which the nozzle bodies 10 and .110 pivot, while the line of impingement, that is, the point of impingement settings, and the clearance between the nozzle bodies 10 and 110 and the paper 12 and 112, that is, the clearance settings, remain the same.

In order to create this false center by the shifting of the linkage systems 11 and 111 about the actual centers established by the centerlines of the shafts 62 and 162, certain constants must be maintained. In the first embodiment of FIG. 1, the distances between the actual pivot center or center of rotation, which is the centerline of the shaft 62, and the false center, which is the transverse line of impingement, the distance between the pivot points 61 and the pivot points 56, and the distances between the pivot points 59 and the pivot points 55, all must be equal. This same thing is true of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, wherein the distance between the actual center formed by the centerline of the shaft 162 and the false center, which is the transverse line of impingement, the distance bet een the pivot points 159 and the pivot points 155, and the distance between the pivot points 161 and the pivot points 156, all must be equal.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the distance between the centerline of shaft 62 and the pivot point 69 must be equal to the distance between the pivot points 61 and the pivot points 67, and the distance between the pivot points 61 and the pivot points 59 must be equal to the distance between the pivot points 56 and the pivot points 55. Still further, the distance between the centerline of shaft 62 and the pivot points 61, the distance between the pivot points 69 and pivot points 67, and the distance between the false center, which is the transverse line of impingement, and the pivot points 56 all must be equal.

In the second embodiment of FIG. 9, the same as in the first embodiment, the distance between the centerline of shaft 162 and the pivot points 169 must be equal to the distance between the pivot points 161 and the pivot points 167, and the distance between the pivot points 161 and pivot points 159 must be equal to the distance between the pivot points 156 and the pivot points 155. Also, as in the first embodiment, in this second embodiment the distance between the centerline of shaft 162 and pivot points 161, the distance between pivot points 169 and pivot points 167, and the distance between the false center, which is the transverse line of impingement, and the pivot points 156 all must be equal.

Finally, in the first embodiment of FIG. 1, a line extending from the pivot points 59 through the pivot points 61 to the centerline of the shaft 62, the actual center of rotation or pivoting, must be symmetrical to a line from the pivot point 55 through the pivot point 66 to the transverse line of impingement, or the false center. The same is true with the second embodiment of FIG. 9 wherein a line from pivot points 159 through the centerline of shaft 162 to the pivot point 161 must be symmetrical to the line from pivot points 155 through the transverse line of impingement to the pivot points 156.

As is shown by the differences in the arrangement of the linkage systems 11 and 111, it is apparent that these linkage systems may take on various forms and, as long as the foregoing requirements are met, the false center about the transverse line of impingement for the nozzle body 10 or 111) will be properly created, so that the angle of impingement setting may be selectively altered without disturbing the point of impingement and clearance setting. In considering the foregoing requirements, it must be kept in mind, for purposes of maintaining the proper relationships between the various links and for providing the advantage of being able to alter the angle of impingement setting without disturbing the point of impingement and clearance settings, that the major links 57 or 157 are corisidered as rigid links even though. they additionally include construction making it possible to selectively shorten the same in order to shift the nozzle bodies 10 and 110 away from their working positions to retracted positions. This latter construction is only included for this additional advantageous retracting function and the selective alterations of the various settings of the nozzle bodies will only occur when these nozzle bodies are in working positions wherein the major links 57 and 157 are the same as rigid links.

Referring to FIG. 9, the point of impingement setting in this second embodiment may be altered to shift the transverse line of impingement along the surface of the paper 112 without altering the angle of impingement setting due to the fact that the major links 157 and 158 are normally of equal length pivotal about their connections to the cross links 160 and the mounting links 151.

The alternation of the clearance setting without affecting the angle of impingement and point of impingement settings is made possible in both the first and second embodiments merely by mounting the nozzle bodies 10 and through means on the mounting links 51 and 151 slidably movable along a line parallel to the line of impingement, which is the line of the angle of impingement. In both cases, this latter adjustment is contained totally within the construction of the mounting links 51 and 151 and is independent of the remainder of these linkage systems.

In FIG. 8 the various alterations in the various settings and the effect of these alterations on the other settings is illustrated diagrammatically. As shown, the starting position of the nozzle body is illustrated in full lines and indicated at 77, with the angle of impingement being indicated by the broken line 78 establishing a transverse line of impingement on the surface 79, and with this line of impingement being indicated at 80.

Changing the clearance setting merely moves the nozzle body to, for instance, the rearward position indicated by the broken line nozzle body 81 and it will be noted that this shift is directly along the angle of impingement broken line 78, so that the angle of impingement, as well as point of impingement settings, remain the same. Changing the angle of impingement setting around the false center created at the line of impingement 80, for instance, to the position of the broken line nozzle body 82, merely shifts the nozzle body around this false center as indicated, without affecting the clearance setting or point of impingement setting. Finally, altering the point of impingement setting by moving the nozzle body to the position, for instance, as shown by the broken line nozzle body 83, still maintains the angle of impingement setting the same, but slightly alters the clearance setting.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding but no unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom, because such words are used for descriptive purposes herein and are intended to be broadly construed.

Moreover, the embodiments of the improved construction illustrated and described herein are by way of example and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the exact details of construction shown.

Having now described the invention, the construction, operation and use of preferred embodiments thereof, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained thereby, the new and useful construction and reasonable mechanical equivalents thereof obvious to those skilled in the art are set forth in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. Fluid nozzle construction for coating machines and the like including a transversely elongated nozzle body having a transversely elongated discharge opening formed therein discharging a transversely elongated jet of fluid at a surface along a transverse line of impingement; separated transversely extending distribution chamber means parts formed in the nozzle body spaced rearwardly from the discharge opening and extending transversely a distance at least equal to the length of said discharge opening; a common plenum formed in the nozzle body between the distribution chamber means parts and discharge opening receiving fluid from each of said distribution chamber means parts and discharging fluid through said discharge opening; transversely extending partition means formed in the body for each of said distribution chamber means parts between said parts and said common plenum; restricted opening means formed in each of said partition means communicating between each of said distribution chamber means parts and said common plenum for passing fluid from said distribution chamber means parts to said common plenum; and means for supplying fluid t0 the distribution chamber means parts.

2. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in which the distribution chamber means parts are separated transversely extending substantially equal cross-section halves; and in which the restricted opening means between one of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum is of substantially equal size 17 to the restricted opening means between the other of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum.

3. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in which the restricted opening means is a series of transversely spaced holes formed through said partition means; and in which the restricted opening means holes are unequally and non-repetitively transversely spaced at least for each one-half of the transverse length of the common plenum and discharge opening.

4. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in which the distribution chamber means parts are separated transversely extending substantially equal crosssection halves; in which the restricted opening means is formed by a series of transversely spaced holes through each of the partition means between each of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum; and in Which the restricted opening means holes between one of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum are identical in number and of substantially the same size and are located at substantially the same transverse locations as the restricted openings means holes between the other of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum.

5. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in which the distribution chamber means parts are separated transversely extending substantially equal cross-section halves; in which the restricted opening means is formed by a series of transversely spaced holes through each of the partition means between each of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum; in which the restricted opening means holes between one of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum are identical in number and of substantially the same size and are located at substantially the same transverse locations as the restricted opening means holes between the other of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum; and in which the restricted opening means holes between each of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum are unequally and nonrepetitively transversely spaced at least for each one-half of the transverse length of said plenum means and discharge opening.

6. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in which the nozzle body is formed separable along a transversely extending plane extending between the distribution chamber means parts and through the common plenum and discharge opening forming transversely extending upper and lower nozzle body portions each including one of the distribution chamber means parts and part of the common plenum; and in which the nozzle body portions are rearwardly transversely hingedly connected selectively movable between a closed operative position and an open position in which the interior of the common plenum is freely accessible through the nozzle body discharge opening expanded by said hinged movement.

7. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in which the nozzle body is formed separable along a transversely extending plane extending between the distribw tion chamber means parts and through the common plenum and discharge opening forming transversely extending upper and lower nozzle body portions each including one of the distribution chamber means parts and part of .the common plenum; in which the nozzle body portions for setting the size of the nozzle body discharge opening in said closed operative position and being freely separable Without elfecting a selected adjustment upon the nozzle body portions being hingedly moved to open position; and in which selectively adjustable exterior pressure means is mounted exterior of the nozzle body and intermediate the nozzle body ends and transversely spaced from the stop means operatively connected to the nozzle body for exerting a selected pressure forcing one of the nozzle body portions toward the other of the nozzle body portions when said nozzle body is in closed operative position to selectively reduce the size of the nozzle body discharge opening intermediate said nozzle body ends and against the limiting setting of said stop means.

8. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in which the nozzle body is formed separable along a transversely extending plane between the distribution chamber means parts and through the common plenum means and the discharge opening forming transversely extending upper and lower nozzle body portions each including one of the distribution chamber means parts and part of the common plenum means; in which the nozzle body portions are rearwardly transversely hingedly connected selectively movable between a closed operative position and an open position in which the interior of the common plenum is freely accessible through the nozzle body discharge opening expanded by said hinged movement; in which the nozzle body has transversely spaced ends; in which selectively adjustable stop means is mounted engaged between the nozzle body portions at the nozzle ends limiting the hinged closing movement of said nozzle body portions upon movement to said closed operative position for setting the size of the nozzle body discharge opening in said closed operative position and being freely separable without effecting a selected adjustment upon the nozzle body portions being hingedly moved to open position; and in which selectively adjustable fluid pressure means is mounted operatively connected to the nozzle body eifective at locations spaced substantially one-quarter of the nozzle body transverse length from each of the nozzle body ends for exerting selected pressures forcing one of the nozzle body portions toward the other of the nozzle body portions when said nozzle body is in closed operative position to selectively reduce the size of the nozzle body discharge opening intermediate said nozzle body ends and against the limiting setting of said stop means.

9. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 1 in Which the distribution chamber means parts are separated transversely extending substantially equal cross-section halves; in which the restricted opening means is formed in the partition means between each of said distribution chamber means halves and said common plenum; in which the nozzle body has transversely spaced end portions; in which substantially one-half of the fluid supplied to the distribution chamber means is supplied to each of said end portions; and in which directing means is formed in each of said nozzle body end portions in the fluid supply means fordirecting substantially one-half of the fluid supplied to each of said end portions into each of the distribution chamber means halves.

10. Fluid nozzle construction for coating machines and the like including two separable nozzle body members having lip walls forming a transversely elongated nozzle body having a transversely elongated discharge opening formed by said lip walls discharging a transversely elongated jet of fluid at a surface along a transverse line of impingement, means for moving the body members toward and away from each other, transversely extending distribution chamber means formed in each body member spaced rearwardly from the discharge opening and extending transversely a distance at least equal to the length of said discharge opening, plenum means formed in the nozzle body between the distribution means and discharge opening and discharging fluid through said discharge opening, restricted opening means formed in each body member communicating between the distribution chamber means and the plenum means for passing fluid from said distribution chamber means to said plenum means, means for supplying fluid to the distribution chamber means, normally rigid pivotally connected link means operably connected to one of the nozzle body members mounting the nozzle body in a predetermined working position adjacent said surface, and the link means including at least one link provided with variable length adjusting means for movement of the nozzle body by said link means between said predetermined working position and a nozzle body retracted position in which the nozzle body is spaced away from said predetermined working position.

11. Fluid nozzle construction for coating machines and the like including two separable nozzle body members having lip walls forming a transversely elongated nozzle body having a transversely elongated discharge opening formed by said lip walls discharging a transversely elongated jet of fluid at a surface along a transverse line of impingement, means for supplying fluid to the nozzle, means for moving the body members toward and away from each other, normally rigid pivotally connected link means operably connected to one of the nozzle body members mounting the nozzle body in a predetermined working position adjacent said surface, the nozzle body in said working position having a selected clearance setting determining the clearance between the nozzle discharge opening and said surface, the nozzle body in said working position having a selected angle of impingement setting determining the angle of impingement of the jet of fluid discharged from said nozzle against said surface, the nozzle body in said working position having a selected point of impingement setting determining the location of the line of impingement of the jet of fluid discharged against said surface, the link means including at least one link provided with variable length adjusting means for movement of the nozzle body by said link means between said predetermined working position and a nozzle body retracted position in which the nozzle is spaced away from said predetermined working position, and the link means being constructed for positioning the nozzle body in said predetermined working position with the selected clearance and angle of impingement and point of impingement settings remaining exactly the same despite repeated movements of said nozzle body by said link means from said predetermined working position to retracted position and back to working position.

12. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 11 in which the link means includes two four-bar pivotally connected linkage systems having at least one linkage bar common to each system controlling movement of one system relative to the other system.

13. Fluid nozzle construction for coating machines and the like including a transversely elongated nozzle forming a transversely elongated discharge opening discharging a transversely elongated jet of fluid at a surface along a transvserse line of impingement, means for supplying fluid to the nozzle, normally rigid pivotally connected link means operably connected to the nozzle mounting the nozzle in a predetermined working position adjacent said surface, the nozzle in said working position having a selected clearance setting determining the clearance between the nozzle discharge opening and said surface, the nozzle in said working position having a selected point of impingement setting determining the location of the line of impingement of the jet of fluid against said surface, and selectively operable clearance adjustment means forming a part of the link means operable for changing the selected clearance setting of the nozzle without affecting the selected angle of impingement and point of impingement settings.

14. Fluid nozzle construction for coating machines and the like including a transversely elongated nozzle forming a transversely elongated discharge opening discharging a transversely elongated jet of fluid at a surface along a transverse line of impingement, means for supplying fluid to the nozzle, normally rigid pivotally connected link means operably connected to the nozzle mounting the nozzle in a predetermined working position adjacent said surface; said link means including two four-bar pivotally connected linkage systems having at least one linkage bar common to each system controlling movement of one system relative to the other system; the nozzle in said working position having a selected clearance setting determining the clearance between the nozzle discharge opening and said surface; the nozzle in said working position having a selected angle of impingement setting determining the angle of impingement of the jet of fluid discharged from said nozzle against said surface; the nozzle in said Working position having a selected point of impingement setting determining the location of the line of impingement of the jet of fluid discharged against said surface; selectively operable angle adjustment means forming a part of said link means operable for changing the selected angle of impingement setting without affecting the selected clearance and point of impingement settings; and said angle adjustment means including means for rotatably shifting the two four-bar linkage systems around a pivotal connection spaced from the nozzle line of impingement for pivoting the nozzle about a false center established by said link means and coinciding with the line of impingement to permit said change in angle of impingement setting without affecting the selected clearance and point of impingement settings.

15. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 14 in which the link means includes selectively operable clearance adjustment means operable for changing the selected clearance setting of the nozzle without affecting the selected angle of impingement and point of impingement settings.

16. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 14 in which the link means includes selectively operable clearance adjustment means operable for changing the selected clearance setting of the nozzle without affecting the selected angle of impingement and point of impingement settings; and in which the link means includes selectively operable point of impingement adjustment means operable for changing the point of impingement setting of the nozzle without affecting the selected angle of impingement setting.

17. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 14 in which the link means includes selectively operable point of impingement adjustment means operable for changing the point of impingement setting of the nozzle without affecting the selected angle of impingement setting.

18. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 14 in which the link means includes at least one fixed link selectively adjustably pivotal around a fixed pivot center and at least two parallel links of equal length pivotally attached to said one fixed link spaced from said fixed pivot center and pivotally attached to the nozzle mounting said nozzle in said working position, said two parallel links also being parallel and equal in length to a line extending from said fixed pivot center to said nozzle line of impingement, and the selected pivotal adjustment of said one fixed link about said fixed pivot center altering said nozzle angle of impingement setting while maintaining said nozzle clearance and point of impingement settings.

19. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 14 in which the link means has at least one fixed link and at least two parallel links of equal length pivotally attached to said one fixed link and pivotally attached to the nozzle normally mounting said nozzle in said working position, and in which means is provided on one of said parallel links for selectively varying the length of said one parallel link to move said nozzle between said working position and a retracted position spaced from said working position.

20. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim.14 in which the link means has at least one fixed link and at least two parallel links of equal length pivotally attached to said one fixed link and pivotally attached to the nozzle mounting said nozzle in said working position, and in which means is operably connected to the nozzle selectively adjustable for moving the nozzle toward and away from said surface along the plane of the angle of impingement to selectively alter the clearance setting while maintaining the selected angle of impingement and point of impingement settings.

21. Fluid nozzle construction as defined in claim 14 in which the link means has at least one fixed link and at least two parallel links of equal length pivotally attached to said one fixed link and pivotally attached to the nozzle mounting said nozzle in said working position, and in which selectively adjustable means is operably connected to said two parallel links for selectively pivoting said two parallel links relative to said one fixed link to selectively alter the nozzle point of impingement setting while maintaining at least the selected angle of impingement setting.

22. In fluid nozzle constnlction for coating machines and the like, two separable nozzle body members forming a nozzle body, each member having spaced end walls and a lip wall extending transversely between the end walls, means pivotally connecting the separable members for movement of the lip walls toward and away from each other, adjustable stop means at each end of the body engageable between the separable members adjacent their respective ends to adjust a nozzle opening formed between said lip walls and to hold the ends of one member a fixed distance away from the ends of the other member, sealing means engageable between the members for sealing the members together beyond the nozzle opening, and means for applying pressure to one of said members intermediate its ends to flex said one member about said pivot axis to alter its lip Wall shape continuously between said fixed ends.

23. In fluid nozzle construction for coating machines and the like, two separable nozzle body members forming a nozzle body, each member having spaced end walls and a lip wall extending transversely between the end walls, guide means mounting the members for movement of the lip walls toward and away from each other, stop means at each end of the body engaged between the separable members adjacent their respective ends to limit said movement to define a nozzle opening between said lip walls, sealing means engageable between the members for sealing the members together beyond the nozzle opening, and means for applying pressure to one of said members intermediate its ends to deflect the body along its whole length between said ends to alter its lip wall shape continuously between said fixed ends.

24. Fluid nozzle construction for coating machines and the like, including a transversely elongated nozzle body having wall portions forming a transversely elongated discharge opening adapted to discharge a transversely elongated jet of fluid at a surface along a transverse line of impingement, the nozzle body including partition means forming transversely extending distribution chamber means in the nozzle body spaced rearwardly from the discharge opening and extending transversely a distance at least equal to the length of said discharge opening; plenum means formed in the nozzle body by said body wall portions and partition means between said distribution chamber means and said discharge opening, for discharging fluid through said discharge opening; restricted opening means formed in said partition means directed into said plenum means rearwardly of said discharge opening and toward said body wall portion, said opening means communicating between the distribution chamber means and the plenum means for passing fluid from said distribution chamber means to said plenum means, and means for supplying fluid to the distribution chamber means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,386,156 10/1945 Woodward 118-63 2,766,720 10/1956 Muller et al. 118-63 2,940,418 6/1960 Penrod et al. 239-597 X 2,981,223 4/1961 Olszowka 118-63 2,981,224 4/1961 Phelps 118-63 3,141,194 7/1964 Jester 239- 594 X FREDERICK L. MATTESON, JR., Primary Examiner.

C. R. REMKE, Assistant Examiner. 

1. FLUID NOZZLE CONSTRUCTION FOR COATING MACHINES AND THE LIKE INCLUDING A TRANSVERSELY ELONGATED NOZZLE BODY HAVING A TRANSVERSELY ELONGATED DISCHARGE OPENING FORMED THEREIN DISCHARGING A TRANSVERSELY ELONGATED JET OF FLUID AT A SURFACE ALONG A TRANSVERSE LINE OF IMPINGEMENT; SEPARATED TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER MEANS PARTS FORMED IN THE NOZZLE BODY SPACED REARWARDLY FROM THE DISCHARGE OPENING AND EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY A DISTANCE AT LEAST EQUAL TO THE LENGTH OF SAID DISCHARGE OPENING; A COMMON PLENUM FORMED IN THE NOZZLE BODY BETWEEN THE DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER MEANS PARTS AND DISCHARGE OPENING RECEIVING FLUID FROM EACH OF SAID DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER MEANS PARTS AND DISCHARGING FLUID THROUGH SAID DISCHARGE OPENING; TRANSVERSELY EXTENDING PARTITION MEANS FORMED IN THE BODY FOR EACH OF SAID DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER MEANS PARTS BETWEEN SAID PARTS AND SAID CONNOM PLENUM; RESTRICTED OPENING MEANS FORMED IN EACH OF SAID PARTITION MEANS COMMUNICATING BETWEEN EACH OF SAID DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER MEANS PARTS AND SAID COMMON PLENUM FOR PASSING FLUID FROM SAID DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER MEAND PARTS TO SAID COMMON PLENUM; AND MEANS FOR SUPPLYING FLUID TO THE DISTRIBUTION CHAMBER MEANS PARTS. 